The South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME) has partnered with educators and mining majors to give kids across the state a boost in the classroom.
Primary school students will be learning new skills in automation and data science in a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) pilot program to be launched in six Catholic schools this month.
SACOME joined forces with Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) to introduce the STEM Digital Technology Pilot schools in collaboration with BHP, Nyrstar, Hillgrove Resources, Fortescue and SIMEC Mining.
The pilot aims to empower educators to teach STEM skills, increase student interest in technology-based career pathways and support the future skilled-talent pipeline crucially needed for the SA resources sector.
Students will engage in hands-on challenges demonstrating real-world application of fundamental digital technology skills.
It was designed to align with the Australian curriculum and will be rolled out to students from reception to grade six.
“SACOME is delighted to partner with Catholic Education South Australia to bring the STEM Digital Technology Pilot to schools across the state,” SACOME chief executive officer Rebecca Knol said.
“Empowering our youth with STEM education is an investment in their future, and our state. It ensures a pipeline of talent today, for industries and skills needed for tomorrow.
“We are looking forward to sharing feedback from educators and students with the South Australian Government, in the hope that they will join us in funding this program more broadly.”
The program is based on the highly successful ‘Digital Technologies Program’ implemented by The Chamber of Minerals and Energy Western Australia in over 70 schools in regional WA.
A co-designed initiative between curriculum experts GROK Academy, and industry subject matter experts from the mining and energy sector, each challenge aligns with Australian curriculum outcomes for students.
The content of the WA program has since been adapted and tailored to align with SA schools.
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